Digital Social Hour: How a 29-Year-Old Became a Vegas CEO | Jonathan Jossel DSH #1256
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel Downtown
Introduction
In episode #1256 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Jonathan Jossel, the dynamic 29-year-old CEO of the Plaza Hotel Downtown in Las Vegas. This episode delves into Jonathan's remarkable journey to leadership at a young age, his insights into the evolving landscape of downtown Las Vegas, his interactions with industry legends, and his vision for the future of his hotel and the community.
Path to Leadership: Becoming the Youngest CEO
Jonathan shares his experience of ascending to the CEO position at the Plaza Hotel at just 29 years old. He recounts the rigorous licensing process required to run a hotel casino in Las Vegas, emphasizing how his younger age simplified certain aspects of the background checks.
“I was the youngest when … I became the CEO when I was 29 years old.”
[00:49] Jonathan
He highlights that his lack of complex financial ties, such as properties or children, made the licensing process more straightforward, despite being thorough in examining bank accounts and other financial records.
Embracing Las Vegas: A Passionate Commitment
Jonathan expresses his deep affection for Las Vegas, noting that after moving from England, he has dedicated 17 years to making his mark in the city.
“I was born in South Africa, grew up in London, England. Been 17 years here in Vegas and nowhere else in the world I'd want to be.”
[01:55] Jonathan
He observes the significant growth in downtown Las Vegas, attributing it to factors like the influx of new residents from California and Arizona, the establishment of sports teams, and increased investments in real estate and technology sectors.
Evolution of Downtown Las Vegas
Jonathan provides a comprehensive overview of downtown Las Vegas's transformation over the past decade. From being perceived as a less desirable area with landmarks like the Greyhound bus station and train tracks, downtown has seen substantial development, including the introduction of 800 apartments and major projects like Circa and new parking garages.
“When you look around where I was in downtown, call it a decade ago, you had a Greyhound bus station … Today you have 800 apartments to the west, you have Circa to the east.”
[14:43] Jonathan
He emphasizes the importance of collective growth, noting that competition among downtown casinos is minimal compared to the collaborative efforts to enhance the area's appeal.
Collaborations and Influences: Learning from Legends
Jonathan discusses his interactions with industry giants such as Steve Wynn and Tony Hsieh, whose philosophies have significantly influenced his management style and vision for the Plaza Hotel.
“Steve Wynn really understood the human connection, what people experience … The Wynn is the best property in the city.”
[10:33] Jonathan
He fondly remembers dinners with Steve Wynn, where he learned about creating exceptional guest experiences and the crucial role of cause and effect in the hospitality industry.
Furthermore, Jonathan reflects on Tony Hsieh's impact on downtown Las Vegas, particularly Hsieh's Delivering Happiness philosophy and his efforts to promote downtown as a vibrant, engaging destination.
“He just sat there in silence, listening … if they come down here and the experience isn't good, they're not going to come back.”
[22:07] Jonathan
Competition and Market Growth: A Cooperative Spirit
Jonathan outlines his perspective on competition within downtown Las Vegas, viewing it more as a cooperative endeavor to elevate the entire area rather than a cutthroat rivalry.
“I think we all work together … There's a competitive element, no doubt about it. But I think we all work together.”
[15:57] Jonathan
He explains that the presence of other casinos and improvements across the board attracts more visitors, thereby benefiting all establishments collectively. This neighborhood effect ensures that as downtown grows, so does each business within it.
Festivals and Events: Driving Engagement
The conversation touches on the role of festivals in promoting downtown Las Vegas. Jonathan recounts the success of Life is Beautiful and other festivals that have drawn large crowds by transforming downtown into a cultural hub.
“Promoting downtown as a blank canvas … and what a better way to advertise the area to people.”
[21:10] Jonathan
Despite acknowledging the challenges of sustaining festivals, Jonathan believes that events like EDC continue to thrive due to their established popularity and ability to attract attendees consistently.
Gambling and Hospitality: Enhancing the Guest Experience
Jonathan discusses strategies to differentiate the Plaza Hotel from other casinos by offering better gambling odds and lower minimums, enhancing the overall guest experience.
“Instead of playing triple zero, roulette, playing single zero … they should be playing three to two blackjack.”
[25:14] Jonathan
He emphasizes that providing superior odds encourages guests to stay longer and enjoy more of what the casino offers, aligning with his commitment to excellent customer service learned from industry mentors.
Culinary Excellence: Spotlight on Downtown Dining
The discussion highlights the vibrant culinary scene in downtown Las Vegas, with Jonathan mentioning various top-tier restaurants such as Esther's Kitchen and Soul Belly that contribute to the area's appeal.
“Esther's Kitchen is great … We’re really proud of it.”
[25:38] Jonathan
He contrasts the quality of off-Strip dining experiences with those on the Strip, asserting that downtown offers some of the best restaurants in the city, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination.
Future Plans: Continued Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead, Jonathan shares his ambitious plans for the Plaza Hotel, including ongoing renovations, the addition of new restaurants, and the development of 10 acres of land to further elevate the property’s standing in downtown Las Vegas.
“We're going to open up Nice … We're going to continue to remodel the hotel … making the Plaza the best place in downtown.”
[27:46] Jonathan
He also mentions his podcast, On the Corner of Main Street, which serves as a platform to document and share the evolving story of Las Vegas through interviews with industry leaders and local influencers.
Conclusion
Sean Kelly wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to visit the Plaza Hotel and tune into Jonathan’s podcast to stay updated on his ventures and contributions to downtown Las Vegas. Jonathan's passion for revitalizing the area, coupled with his innovative approach to hospitality, positions him as a noteworthy figure in the ever-evolving Las Vegas landscape.
“Guys, check out Jonathan's show. I'll see you guys next time.”
[28:41] Sean Kelly
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Jossel became the youngest CEO of a Las Vegas hotel casino at 29, leveraging his focused financial background.
- Downtown Las Vegas has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a less desirable area to a vibrant hub with substantial residential and commercial growth.
- Collaborative Growth within downtown casinos fosters a cooperative environment that benefits all businesses, emphasizing collective success over individual competition.
- Influences from Industry Legends like Steve Wynn and Tony Hsieh have shaped Jonathan’s approach to guest experience and business management.
- Festivals and Culinary Excellence play a crucial role in attracting visitors and enhancing the cultural landscape of downtown Las Vegas.
- Future Plans include continuous renovations, new dining establishments, and expansive development projects aimed at solidifying the Plaza Hotel’s status as a premier downtown destination.
Notable Quotes
“I was the youngest when … I became the CEO when I was 29 years old.”
[00:49] Jonathan
“I was born in South Africa, grew up in London, England. Been 17 years here in Vegas and nowhere else in the world I'd want to be.”
[01:55] Jonathan
“Steve Wynn really understood the human connection, what people experience … The Wynn is the best property in the city.”
[10:33] Jonathan
“Instead of playing triple zero, roulette, playing single zero … they should be playing three to two blackjack.”
[25:14] Jonathan
“We're going to open up Nice … We're going to continue to remodel the hotel … making the Plaza the best place in downtown.”
[27:46] Jonathan
This episode of Digital Social Hour offers an insightful look into Jonathan Jossel’s leadership journey, the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas, and the collaborative spirit thriving within the city’s hospitality industry. Whether you're a local or simply fascinated by Las Vegas's dynamic evolution, Jonathan's story is both inspiring and enlightening.